Day one. . .

So much for our private trek and English speaking guide. The guide is a NLD (opposition party) cadre and spent 10 years in prison. Fascinating in principle: in practice he speaks no English. We've also been lumped together for the first day with 4 other tourists doing the standard local trek. Whilst good people, we spend the day cringing at loud voices, tiny shorts and strappy tops, and a zoom lens shoved into children's faces without any kind of by your leave.

The walking, tea and jungle and rice paddys, was great; the homestay sweet, with the bonus of kittens. It was just loud and cringe inducing and we went to bed feeling bruised.

A stop to buy food for supper at the train station: not exactly remote.